Tugboat Etiquette for the New Hire

It’s a regular occurrence, we take the novices aboard and get them oriented. We show them the pointy end (the bow), the port side rail, the starboard side rail, and then the not so pointy end (the fantail) all the while extolling the virtues of remaining within those boundaries, no swimming without authorization if you please. We teach them the basic chores and how we want them done, and then try to imbue them with our knowledge and experience so that they too will eventually be equipped to think and act as a full share member of the team. We are keenly aware that until they’ve got some time under their belts we’ll need to coddle, cajole, and harangue some of these hopefuls in order to keep them from killing themselves or anyone else on our watch. The entire crew is involved.

One of the many questions asked by newcomers to the trade is; “What do I need to know right out of the gate?”. In an effort to clear up the mystery, here’s the first few things a new hire should commit to memory as he or she steps aboard the tug (or any work boat) for the first time.

The first thing you need to know is that working on a tugboat is a real job, you can’t fake the proficiency you’ll need to survive. The environment is dangerous and demanding. Learning on the job is traditional and training new hires is a common practice for us, we expect it to take some time.

We prefer that you have no experience at all, it’s easier for us if you have no bad habits that we’ll need to overcome. If you’ve been fortunate enough to graduate from an academy please keep in mind we don’t need to hear how smart you are, you’ll need to demonstrate your intelligence and learn what we teach you.

Please know that we won’t ask you to do anything that we ourselves haven’t done. We know how to get you up to speed and you’ll either learn to follow orders, or end up “back on the beach”. After that the next thing you’ll learn may well be when to say, “Ma’am, do you want fries with that?”. If you want the job, pay attention.

No one expects you (as a novice) to know what is expected when you step aboard a boat to work for the first time. If you’re lucky enough to have scored a job with a tugboat outfit, there are many things to be learned but, before you’ve stepped aboard the one thing you should have already mastered is your manners.

Report to the captain and show him your paperwork. Although the atmosphere on a tugboat is less formal than what you would find sailing “deep sea”, you would do well to remember that the Captain is not your buddy, pal, father, friend, or peer, he’s the Boss, be prepared to show him respect.

Listen carefully to what you’re told and find your room and bunk. Introduce yourself to your new shipmates.

At this point it’s worth mentioning that you should pay particular attention to practicing good hygiene habits. The tight living quarters on a tug are tough enough, we don’t need to put up with your funk. Flush and wipe the bowl if your aim is bad. Wipe out the sink, no one wants to see globs of your toothpaste floating around the drain or splattered on the mirror. Make sure you always clean up after yourself, learn how to change a toilet tissue roll, your Mama ain’t here.

Keep yourself and your work area clean and orderly, and before you handle any food whether you’re making a sandwich or starting dinner, wash your hands.

Find out what your responsibilities are in an emergency, check the Station Bill for your duty assignment during drills and emergency response. Learn and remember the location of all the emergency equipment on the boat, you’ll be expected to know how everything works in short order. Pay attention during the drills. You’ll be shown what everything is and what it’s called, your task is to memorize it so you understand what you’re being told.

You’ll be assigned a watch. Get out of bed when you’re called for the watch, don’t try to catch “just 5 more minutes”, we’re not your personal snooze alarm. You’re expected to show up a few minutes or so before you’re due on watch. Napping on watch is forbidden.You should be properly dressed, fed, sufficiently caffeinated, and ready to work.

Showing up prepared to work “properly equipped” means a deckhand should have a work knife in his pocket or on his belt and be wearing a good pair of work boots and gloves, sneakers don’t really cut it. During your first tour you should keep a list of the items you’ll need to fill out your gear for the next hitch. Like a better set of rain gear, boots, glove liners, etc.

If you don’t understand something, ask. Common sense (while not so common) is second only to showing respect for your shipmates and vessel. That includes pulling your weight and respecting the privacy of others. Like I said, good manners.

“Crossing the table”, towing a ship out of the graving dock in Bayonne Shipyard

You are here to work, put the cell phone, Ipod, and laptop away until you are off watch. You aren’t here if you’re on the phone or whatever.

Practice, practice, practice your line-handling. The only way to become proficient is to take a lot of throws at bitts and cleats. Every deckhand breaks in the same way by throwing lines on the fantail. The exercise isn’t all that different from a hundred years ago, it’s a rite of passage for all of us. We’ve all done it and I can assure you it’s not about strength, it’s about technique and finesse. “It’s in the wrist”.

These are just a few of the things you’ll be expected to do once you step aboard. Remember, there are no stupid questions except for the one you didn’t ask.

You only get one chance at making a good first impression and if you show us you’re ready and willing to learn, we’ll be more than happy to teach you everything we know.

By the same token, if for one minute we get the idea you’re trying to blow smoke up our ass or just trying to get away with the least you can do, you’re done. Then we’ll find someone else who’d like to earn $45,000.00 per year + benefits to start, with no experience required. Comprende?

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56 Responses

Good post, I’ve really been enjoying reading. The last time I was on a tug was some time ago but I have to say seeing the phrase “tugboat etiquette” made we wonder how common the term was. If you google it I got 6 hits, all relating to this post. The outfits I worked for were on what I would call lower tier though so likely the situation is better on a well run boat.

Matt, you should follow this link and see which outfit you might be interested in applying to. The list is quite extensive and there is no way I could say who’s hiring and who’s not. If you wish to seek employment with any outfit it’s up to you to do the footwork I don’t have any info as to whether or not we’re hiring. Call Personnel and find out for sure.
BB

Captain-
Great blog! Any way you might be able to post on the New York Waterway Community and what they have done to aid and respond to disasters such as this weeks plane crash or 9/11?
Great job by your community in both these events!

This is some great info presented, it should be required reading whether for new hands or as a refresher for guys that have been around awhile.
You mention coming to watch dressed, ready for work; on my boat, as often as not, the hands come to watch in damn flip-flops, if you can believe that!
That annoys me to no end, but talking to the one particular Captain is a waste, as he is the biggest offender.

We use a few common and not so common knots, everyday. A bowline, a bowline on a bight, a clove hitch, half hitch, and sheet-bend (single and double), a figure eight, and a square knot. Don’t forget you’ll need to master splicing, a few key splices; a back splice, an eye-splice, and a short splice. All of which we’ll teach you if you don’t already have them in your repertoire.
bb

Dear Captain Brucato,
I am a Career Coach and really, really enjoyed reading the post on tug boat ettiquette. My husband is a boat guy and thought I might enjoy it so he passed the blog along.

I am designing some materials especially targeted at youth. I think your ettiquette rules apply to almost any area of work for all new hires. And you are a much funnier writer than I could ever hope to be. Could I use some of your post to share with the young bucks I do workshops with? I will give you full credit.
thanks for your consideration,
Karae

Cap
Great info !
Some years ago I worked for a time as a deckhand for Moran Towing. I went aboard keeping my mouth shut and my eyes and ears open…..and spent many hours on the stern learning to throw a line.
It all paid off and although I didn’t stay for a career, I learned a lot and enjoyed the job. Later I worked for a timew with Buchanan in Norfolk VA.
Your advice will bebefit anyone looking to work in the industry.
Be safe out there
John D

Ron, Generally it’s not a “pay and ride” situation. We aren’t in the business of selling rides to folks. On occasion we bring family members or friends aboard for a visit or even a few days as a primer to getting into the industry. Sometimes it’s just to bring our kids to work so they can see what Dad does while he’s away. As for getting someone a ride for curiosity’s sake, it’s all about who you know. You might try to get in touch with some of the historic organizations near you to see if they have a schedule for next year. The Tug Pegasus, the Mary Whalen and many others are linked on this blog and offer “rides” or tours and all accept donations, I’m sure your offer would be well received. Good luck

Ok…52 years old. Licensed well driller for 28 years. I’m in great shape for my age and burnt out on drilling. (mostly Environmental) What do you think of my dream of working on a tug that I have had for at least 10 years? Am I crazy? I just can’t seem to get the thought out of me and I’m thinking about pulling the trigger so I can retire in a new life venture. I am a hard worker and know about respect and hard work. I have a strong work ethic and nothing is beneath me. I honestly feel I would love this job! Crazy or what?!
Mark

Mark, There’s nothing crazy about it, it’s a shame you didn’t pull the trigger ten years ago you’d likely be steering a tug right now.. If we had a few thousand twenty-somethings with the same attitude and willingness to work the industry would be assured a bright future. If you’re serious, patient and thick-skinned you can start working toward the “dream” by applying to towing companies and see what shakes out. The present dearth of jobs is cyclical, there will always be a need for hardworking men and women but getting your foot in the door takes a measure of luck and persistence. Do a search on gCaptain.com for a hint on where to look for employment. I don’t know your personal situation(married,involved, complicated) but remember your family takes the job too. You should have a solid home support network before packing the sea bag and shipping out, but as a driller you’d know that. Good luck, stay in touch. I’d love to hear about it.

Capt,
Hope all is well! Since this post I have decided to give it a whirl! I am going to apply for my MMC and see what I can do from there. I already have my TWIC, and well, we’ll see what happens! I do have a friend whose a Capt. on a tug. I am not asking him for employment help at all, as I would rather go it myself. He told me he would be a reference and thats great as far as I’m concerned! Thought I’d touch base and let’s see what the future if any brings! Enjoy seeing the maintenance posts you have lately! Love to see the progress and especially those great engines! Take care sir!
Mark

Captain,
Hope all is well. I have just finished a complete physical with my personal physician and have the papers in hand from him. I have the TWIC, Drs. Papers and have to get drug screen now. I am finding this harder than I thought! I figured I could walk in and make sure that the lab was a SAMHSA certed lab. Finding out this is untrue. They are telling me that I have to be referred by my workplace. I have a test from my workplace thats valid and a copy of the MRO’ letter, but cannot get my USCG form to that person to fill out for me. Thought I’d do it myself with a new test. Trying to see if you or anyone has any information on me getting a drug test on my own to fulfill the requirements to get my MMC?
Thank you Capt!
Mark

Capt. Brucato,
After about five months I finally went through getting my MMC! Came in the mail today! Now the real challenge begins I guess! Seeking employment!!!! I really look forward to your additions to your blog. The videos are awesome to see for someone like myself. Seeing your view of the world is really great! Thank you!
Mark

Captain,
Thanks for this post, I am just at the beginning of getting my credentials and info like this makes the whole process of heading out to sea much easier to wrap my head around. I was just wondering if there are any rules or guidelines about bringing musical instruments on long voyages. I know space is limited and quiet is probably appreciated off watch, just curious.

Well for starters (no pun intended) you might want to travel light for the first hitch or two and see what you’re going to need. Traveling with an instrument is like traveling with a child, it will demand an extra measure of attention that you might find distracting. That said, many of us have a musical instrument aboard and the difference is we leave it here. If you are assigned a permanent berth/boat and believe it would be safe, you can bring your toy with you and then leave it safely locked up waiting your return to work. If it’s electric, bring headphones. If it’s acoustic, be courteous as to when and where you play it. Not everyone is a fan of Coldplay, Nirvana or Skynard. Trust me, no one is going to want to join you for a rousing rendition of Kumbaya. I’ve seen bagpipes (on a barge), guitars, keyboards, banjos and even a trumpet. Just FYI, the trumpet and bagpipes guys were not all that popular.
Don’t bring a vintage instrument. Remember, the marine environment is humid and salty. The sworn enemy of any wooden instrument. Make sure if you’re leaving it aboard you’re willing to lose it. Boats catch suffer all kinds of disasters not the least of which someone could take a fancy to your toy and walk away with it. Hope this helps.

You bring up some great points and I agree wholeheartedly. I’ve been doing this for 23 years and one thing I would like to point out is that some Captains need to remember where they came from. I have worked with several over the years that give new deckhands a hard time but don’t bother to tell them what is expected of them or how to do it. How is a young kid straight out of high school going to know some of these things unless you tell him? Somebody took me under his wing and showed me how to be a deckhand and then an Engineer. I have never forgotten that and if a guy shows genuine interest and effort I will show him what little bit I know.

You’re right on the money. It takes a mentor to communicate the skills we all acquire during our careers. I won’t forget the men who pointed out the way all those years ago, I/we owe it to them to pass it on.

Hey, skipper! Loved this post. It definitely hits the high points!
Although, I DO have one example of a stupid question- six years ago, I’d just been set up as a chief engineer, and had a brand new rooster on watch with me. I mean, fresh outta high-school new! We had a mixed tow, loads and empties. We were out going over line placement, leads, wiring up a tow, etc., when we got to the ladder at the load-2-empty coupling. Young rooster says, “hey, chief? I gotta dumb question..” I said the same thing you did in your article ” the only dumb question is the one you don’t ask, bud. What is it?”
He looks at me as he climbs from the load to the empty barge, and says, “how come this barge is so much taller than the other ones?”
Needless to say, young un wasn’t around long…..

PERMISSION TO COME ABOARD? :) I hope you wouldn’t mind(oh, accidental discovery as one of your other responses)I’ve known my port from my starboard since around 10 years of age, but to start on such a career as this, I could even forget I am an entry-level kayaker!! I’m always set to LEARN, and Complete-novice training in seamanship would be me as I have never served on a working boat of any type. On the contrary, I am the son of a son of commercial drivers, and at 47, I want to make the change before…you know….I like your one responder Mark who mentioned he is 52 and in great shape, so I feel encouraged there!
But really…can you tell me if the climate for STEADY work is out there? How DO tugboat shifts and time on the water work? Can a fellow just work the harbor or must he go wherever is available!! I WISHI were 23 and didn’t have to worry so about sporadic work, and I have other questions, too, but let this suffice for now, THANKS for being so informative, and as an amateur photog…WAY TO GO on your photos, Captain!!
Hoping MY occupationl hazard is NOT the occupation’s just not around!! WJ

njlandnseakid,
I appreciate your reference to me! Sounds like you and I are in a similar situation. Working a steady full time job and wanting to convert to a new life is challenging, a little scary and exciting at the same time. I’m finding this a rough road to travel but I’m the type when I hear no, or “you can’t”, thats a signal for me to try all that much harder to do what I really want to accomplish! I am new to this game and very far from an expert for sure!! I would be happy to pass on anything I have learned so far to help you with your dream. I have had some advice from guys I’ve never met on a forum, and really appreciated it! Its a closed community of sorts but like in any industry, there are always people who are willing to help out the “new guys”. Us greenhorns have to help eachother out too! I really shouldn’t even call myself a Greenhorn yet! Don’t even have a spot anywhere. I’m working at it and gaining more knowledge everyday I try. Put your foot in the water brother!! Good luck and don’t hesitate to contact me if you feel the need!
Mark

No, problem, Mark…I admire anyone trying to make a late-life change for whatever the reason. Me i have just put this off for too long, and we get that Too Old mentality for too many things, so just keep pushing the naysayers aside…they want to be chum bait, doesn’t mean you have to join them!!
If I hear anything as well I will share..idk how much blogging I will be doing here, but I will keep an eye out for ya when you pop up!!
I guess there are aspiring greenhorns as such, no reason not to get the feeling of where you want to be someday. Create that mentality as you can for you to grasp!
For me it’s my peacoat in the wintertime, watching tugs pass thru the Narrows in NY Harbor, some Jimmy Buffett music to think Ocean/Harbor/Bay, you know….then look for the reality side of things. Along with maybe some museums or other preservation societies where those in the know mingle!!
Wishing ya fair winds and following tides!! Wayne

First, from one “Parrothead” to another, thank you for the compliments.
Presently entry level employment is a matter of right-place-right-time. Starting out in my industry without experience is likely to be challenging at best, but it isn’t just a young man’s (or woman’s) game.
That said, we see mariners from all walks of life. Second careers are not uncommon for fishermen lateraling over to the towing industry. Those folks are used to hard work and long hours. They’re usually pleasantly surprised when they find they are required to get to actually work watches (6 hours on and 6 hours off daily) instead of working until the job is done.
Finding steady work is more than just challenging, it’s also a very competitive market. We’re seeing a lot of maritime academy graduates filtering in after graduation. They’re coming to us with a strong academic background, a license and Bachelor’s degree in one of the maritime sciences. Training requirements are high since the US is falling in line with the international community’s minimum standards. Some outfits pay for the training, others not so much.
It used to be knowing someone would be the ticket to a job, now it’s about training and experience.
The schedules vary from a week on and off to any combination of cycles; 3 & 3, 2 & 2, 3 & 1, 4 & 2, it goes on and on. Day work is rare anymore and your travel cost isn’t always reimbursed. Getting your foot in the door is sometimes as much luck as it is qualifications.
Picking where your work will take you depends on what kind of outfit you join. A local harbor outfit is generally small and family run. They have a core group of employees that are generally local and handle barges and scows in the local creeks and bays.
Most of the large outfits based here in NY are moving between Brownsville Texas to Bucksport Maine and beyond. Some handle the Gulf of Mexico, some go anywhere a boat can float. For example; my boat is just as likely to deliver to Pascagoula as it is to Providence.
There are outfits from Maryland, Texas, New York, Massachusetts, California, Washington State and anywhere in between. Kirby Corporation has absorbed a lot of smaller outfits in the Northeast recently and their reach includes the west coast as well as the Western Rivers (Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio Rivers to name a few. Pay scales are lower in the south and higher in the northeast.
Before you can even be considered for a job you need a TWIC card (TRANSPORTATION WORKERS IDENTITY CARD; This little Homeland Security boondoggle is the result of 9/11. You need a thorough background check and get to pay for the privilege to the tune of $135.00) You’ll also need an entry level Merchant Mariners Certificate from the USCG. That will also cost you $100.00 plus a drug test and physical. You should be aware that because this industry is under the Department of Transportation and Homeland Security, you will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing. It pays to remember recreational chemistry is strictly prohibited regardless of the fact that you may have a medical waiver for certain herbal remedies or a penchant for spirits. The requirements for passing the physical include your doctor filling out a nine page form detailing your maladies or lack thereof.
I could go on, but I think you get the idea. If you have a burning desire to move into the towing industry be prepared for the demands it will make. Not everyone is suited to long periods away from home in tight quarters with people you may or may not get along with. The family you leave behind will need to be especially self sufficient and capable of dealing with the things you’d normally take care of. There are long stretches of isolation where you will not be in touch with the old homestead. You will miss birthdays, anniversaries, vacations, and holidays. I’ll leave it at that for now. I wish I could be more helpful and point you to an outfit that would give a beginner a chance, open the phone book, Google marine towing outfits and start making calls. Be sure to get the documents I mentioned before you start looking, you won’t be taken seriously without them.

Oy VEY…don’t be so modest, Captain, this is a great deal of info!! I’m not one for “chemistry” myself, and as for the search? Funny you mention, because I DID Google what I thought was the Moran Company in Kearney. Took the number, hadn’t called..good thing! I see the next day on the NJ Turnpike a tractor trailer being towed by a big green wrecker…MORAN TOWING of Kearney, same phone #!! :) Ahhhh…well, in any event, I feel way encouraged and appreciate BIG time your response!!
I have heard of the TWIC card before, bu the Merchant Mariner’s Cert., is that something JUST for experienced AB seamen? I plan to scour for some opportunites nearby…I live about 23 miles inland west of Elizabeth. My own experience in the transport industry has seen its share, too, of missed moments on the homefront, and I currently work for the trucking outfit that delivers those little square Castle-burgers through the area. So before this wears me out, I will be looking about to see if it’s right for me.
Again thanks immensly, and Safe Sailing…from Wayne’s Particular Harbor..to Yours!! WJ

Great info. I have a great interest in doing just this. I am 53 years old, and
been a general contractor for 13 years. Primarily in Landscape construction
for 25 years. Used to operate a boom boat in the Duwamish river and Elliot
bay in seattle for a saw mill, wich no longer exsists.It was my most favorite job
by far in all my 40 years of working.
I would like to do inland waters anywhere. No family to tie me down.
I guess the demand for second and first mates is high? I guess of
retireing captains or others. I am going to persue this deligently, what should the
first few steps be?
In the north west will go anywhere in the world.
James

Carlos, If you’ve taken a job on a tug I would expect you would have asked or at least been told what the pay scale and working schedule would be. If you’re asking me to believe you are going to the Dominican Republic to work on a boat without knowing these details, you make it quite impossible to answer any of your questions. If you are indeed inquiring as to how to get a job and what they would pay, that is also out of my “wheelhouse”, I have no information I could relay regarding schedules or pay scales in another country. If you want answers you’ll need to talk to local boatmen in the Dominican Republic or at least make the rounds and apply to other outfits that may operate in the area.

Hey captbbrucato, I did get hired and waiting for my passport which is on the way. i thought i would be able to compare wages and hours to other places. and yes i’m eager to start. I’m proud to say i am walking in with my MMC, TWIC and on my way to take my STCW95.

Congratulations Carlos,
I’m sorry I couldn’t be more helpful. I would suggest looking at the gCaptain site and search wages and compensation. Your new job should must have given you a number. The gCaptain site will be the best source at this point to find comparable wage scales. I wish you the best of luck, be careful out there. Pay close attention and follow the lead of the senior men on deck. It’s in their best interest to bring you up to speed on your duties and skill sets you’ll need.

Nice! Are you in the NJ area? Seems the maritimes are such you HAVE to have relatives already in to just have someone want to give you info! Pretty discouraging, and I love to get in tugging. I am 49 and still going …hope it goes well for you, Joshua.

I’ve had my first job at 11 years of age. Working hard to me isn’t just a job it’s my lifestyle. Growing up on the water and having owned my first boat at 12 years old I can’t imagine doing anything else then working on the water. I have excellent references and would love this opportunity. Thank you
Trevor Daniels 609 320 3379

Trevor, thanks for taking the time to write. I can only give you a bit of guidance and perhaps a direction to take. If you’ve read any other marine industry blogs you’ll know it’s a matter of having the documents (MMC, Twic, etc) that makes you marketable in this industry. After you have these documents you are ready to start making application to any or all companies that may interest you. There are many resources (Google is your friend) that will guide and assist you in making a choice as to where and how you’d like to work. Entry level positions are scarce but not impossible to get. It takes a determined effort to get what you want, get your documents and then start looking. Be realistic regarding pay and working schedules and be ready to learn. You may have 10 or 15 years experience on the water, but this isn’t fishing or touring or even close to what the recreational boater would understand. I hope this helps. I don’t have any real influence with regard to hiring or knowledge of who may or may not be looking for talent. That’s something you’ll need to do. Good luck. bb

The question is do you want to do this? Your gender has little to do with it…. The only way to get experience is to get a job right? Well the first thing you’d need to get into this industry are the basic documents (MMC and TWIC) You need to be drug free have a clean record and a thick skin. The next step is no different for any entry level candidate, hit the bricks and apply to as many outfits as you can and try to get a foot in the door. Research the marine employers and seek the kind of work you think might be what you want. Do you want to travel across the ocean for extended voyages? Do you need to have equal time at home and work? Oceans, rivers, NOAA,the Gulf of Mexico (the oil patch)? Can you handle being away (as in unable to attend because you’re at work)for special events like birthdays, weddings or funerals? Women are welcome in the industry. They are as capable as the men who aspire to make this a lifelong career. The one thing that seems to prevail is that women have to work twice as hard to get half as far, but that’s changing too.